Twistyle Muzik: Back Out Of The Shell

Recently, Vredenburg-based underground label, Twistyle Muzik released three solid kasi-flava heatseekers. With Lazy Catz, an enthusiastic duo consisting of Young Fl!p and General, their song Kasi Lam, became the second of Twistyle's three new singles. In addition to this, new voices such as Sai and Thando were featured in the listening experience, probing one to think how much more will Twistyle bring to the scene in 2014?

This lead to the follow up Ezphambeneyo, produced by label founder, Big Twist. One would think another Lazy Cat release is in store, but no, this track sees solely General taking the scene. With 124 downloads so far on DataFileHost, this song succeeds Kasi Lam which stands on 53 downloads.

But downloads are just numbers right? What really matters is the music and the reason for it.
According to Twistyle Muzik "Ezphambeneyo was just a track [for] fun, we got more of those coming up."

While the label's artists aim to reach their own level of recognition, the first track of the latest trilogy saw Big Twist make a return with Jacob Zuma. Released on May 7th, the 2014 IEC South African National Election Day, Twist expresses his views of what it must feel like being the president. Currently the song has been downloaded 163 times, a follow up from his previous release Somewhere In The World released in October last year.

He intends to release new music every Saturday, a first for Twistyle Muzik. This is said to take place in July and could be a worthy cause for increasing the label's support.


In addition to this, he mentions an upcoming mixtape in mind, to drop next year. Twist extends this thought with the mention of a new distribution deal with a Kimberly-based scheme entitled, Superstar Media Communications.

The label is cleverly planning ahead in excelling in more than just one music scene. The West Coast underground Hip-Hop community has seen various works from this label and one notable name is it's unique conscious and visionary artist, EM-K.

The label assures that what it has in store from EM-K will be promising. Recently, Twist rejoined Twitter under the handle "BigTwist_KBY". We trust that releases will be announced as this is another step to the label increasing its Social Networking usage.

• Follow Big Twist on Twitter (@BigTwist_KBY)

War3 Karakt3z Release New Series & Music Videos

Vredenburg's legendary War3 Karakt3z recently hit the web with two brand new music videos in support of their latest series 'Liefde of Jokes'.

The group founded by Goku who also forms part of the Major Playaz Dancerz along with various members, has accumulated 360 downloads on Soundcloud in record so far, with 'We Made It' (Ft. Big Twist, Ivaan & Lazy B) peaking at 43 downloads.

With various music videos by it's producer Goku and other members of the group, rappers Ivaan, Lazy B, Maikes, Ponkie, Vicky and Gax have collaborated on various songs, namely with one of their latest 'Let Me Love You Alright'. 

Following their album 'Bruin Boks', comes the newly released 'Liefde of Jokes' along with Goku's very own 'Bloed Maan' which features appearances by artists Young Bliss, Wizel & Lionel Koordom.

 

Collectively these two projects have blossomed with stand out tracks such as 'Teenage Pregnancy' and 'Ek Sal Altyd Down Vijo Wees' receiving the most downloads on Soundcloud so far, after last month's 'Die Is Dai Love Song' which takes the cake within this series peaking at 22 downloads so far.

The song was therefore followed up with a music video, in addition to Goku's own 'Goku Ain't No Wana Be' which debuted as a music video before the actual song release online, in order to build anticipation of the concluding stages of the 'Bloed Maan' series. The music video is shot in their home region of Louwville as Goku appears walking along the railway line, a picture perfect scenery for an emotional music video. The video has accumulated 36 views on YouTube so far, the highest of the latest releases with 'Let Me Love You Alright' and 'Die Is Dai Love Song' trailing at 24 views each.

The groups most viewed video remains to be their hit song 'Wie Sal' on 209 views after it's release 9 months ago.

Click here to watch:

•  'Goku Ain't No Wana Be' YouTube | Mobile
•  'Die Is Dai Love Song' YouTube | Mobile 
•  'Let Me Love You Alright' YouTube | Mobile

or Download: 

•  'Goku Ain't No Wana Be'
•  'Die Is Dai Love Song'
•  'Let Me Love You Alright'

'I Am West Coast Hip-Hop' Initiative Releases Smartphone Application

An initiative started to help promote the local Hip-Hop scene has now grown into a more reliable source of entertainment, but will this improve its success? The question stands.

Branded as 'I Am West Coast Hip-Hop', this initiative is something some might already be familiar with. With it's establishment earlier this year on Facebook, the promotional efforts of this brand has accumulated 93 likes on Facebook so far, extending it's roots to Twitter to ensure a greater public reception.

So far the likes of War3 Karakt3z, Legacii, Big Twist, Ill Scripts, BALLERGANG & Tha Real U have risen to acclaim in this scene with constant mention on it's social networks. The initiative aims to help build and improve the South African West Coast Hip-Hop platform and has seen various newcomers such as EM-K, Wild Boys, AB, Lazy Cats & WBMG receive their much deserved attention as well. With arrangements such as a collaborative show known as 'West Coast Hip-Hop Night' proposed on the 1st of June this year and the 'I Am West Coast Hip-Hop Radio Show' on local community station, Radio West Coast (93.2fm), the initiative has grown to invest more and more in developing it's artistry. Theses attempts however have proven to be unsuccessful, but might improve as new plans are rolled out.

The latest plan from this initiative is the 'I Am West Coast Hip-Hop BlackBerry Application' known as 'Weskus Hip-Hop by SwagCity' on BlackBerry App World. While this application was developed by it's sister project, SwagCity, a mobile music website established for the same purpose, the partnership in this smart-phone application could prove to be one worthy of recognition.
The announcement for this plan was made two months ago in August, as SwagCity later shut down for maintenance to relaunch it's services on September 24th. The relaunch would include the application apart from the changes made on the music website. However part of this plan was later postponed due to pending status of both the vendor registration and application release by BlackBerry's Developer division.

The application finally hit the Research In Motion's smartphone online store this week with an announcement made on Saturday the 19th of October. Features from this app include, content from the West Coast Hip-Hop initiative's Facebook page, articles from two of West Coast Hip-Hop's media sources, Startouch Magazine and Lyrics & Truth, and the Top 20 newest releases from the West Coast on partner mobile website, SwagCity.

To download the App, search 'Weskus Hip Hop' in BlackBerry's App World search

• Like 'Weskus Hip Hop' on Facebook
• Follow '@IAmWeskusHipHop' on Twitter

BALLERGANG: The New Success Of The West Coast

With a strong production force and a growing aspiration to rhyme, the BALLERGANG, has swiftly took stage to the West Coast music scene, with its first five releases.

Debuting a few months back with 'All Good' the song which featured a comeback of local washouts ILL SCRIPTS, definantly revived the name of rappers Pang & INSAiN. Not just that, the song is currently BALLERGANG's most downloaded release with 53 downloads on Kasimp3.

Along with the bad rep ILLSCRIPTS has been getting, came some success, with its debut 'Ons Is Bevok' still firmly gaining views on YouTube. In total BALLERGANG is undoubtedly the most downloaded Hip-Hop group/crew on the West Coast so far, with a total of 170 downloads. 





BALLERGANG statistics derived from www.kasimp3.com

With all this at the brink, Radio De Touch exclusively interviewed 16 year-old Saldanha rapper, INSAiN, firmly a menber of ILLSCRIPTS and the BALLERGANG, to uncover the truth behind this mysterious group and furthermore understand the degree of change occurring in the young rapper's career.

 

1) How many members are in the BALLERGANG and who are they?

 

 

6 members. Its me Insain, Pang, Arnie, Anyboy, B-boy and the latest member Drizzle. Other than that, Junio-A was also suppose to join but apparently his too busy.

 

2) Where did you derive this name?

 

"Man it has nothing behind it - just a name I thought of when I was still a kid... like 11 years old, when I started rapping then I just grew up with the name...but if u will listen to ma track you would know that thy don't call me 'insain' for nothing LOL* just joking bra.."

 

3) How does it feel being the only artist in two groups?

 

 

"It's kinda difficult but not much, I just have to make sure I deliver my best for both crews and as long as they cool with it, I'm committed to both crews"

 

 

4) What made you join the Ballergang or what formed it?

 

Pang and I along with Junio A! were offered to join seeing that we already existed as a group (ILLSCRIPTS).

 

We then agreed since BALLERGANG has better production quality and with a bunch of good kids in the crew we couldn't refuse. 

 

I jus joined a dope crew that had a name of "BALLERGANG" but from what I've heard the name came from my homies Arnie, Anyboy & B-Boy. The three were in a clique before Ballergang and all shared one thing in common: they all loved the music of the greatest rapper of all time, 2PAC.

 

With that, there's a verse in his song 'Life Goes On' from which the three heard him say the following words "live as a BALLER alcohol and bootycalls."

 

The group liked that so the name of the clique came quite easily; but as for me, me and the boys go way back...

 

 

5) Whose responsible for the production, distribution and other efforts of the group?

 

Most popular producer in Saldanha the one an only DJ Brandon. The whole clique works together to make it work though.

 

6) Does the group belong to label/brand and what is it's aim production wise?

 

Arnie answered this question saying:

 

We belong to a label that's well known in Saldanha bay called 'YA GA YO STUDIO' and were building the label from the ground up. The aim is mostly to say that we're keeping the name WEST COAST high and to put out good music

 

 

7) After these first few singles, what does the group plan in future?

 

Just to be heard and keep pushing, feature other crews and perform at different places - we would love that but yeah... we just wana be heard and make the production bigger so that there is dope tracks out there for the people.

 

 

8) After winning 2nd place in the high school talent show and performing publicly, does that encourage you or discourage you to continue making music and how did that experience feel for you?

 

That encourages me a lot man and it makes me wana make more music. It felt great being on stage, it's something I enjoy doing - performing. Before I got on stage I was nervous though but when I got out there... I just done my thing an enjoyed it.

 

It happened to be my 1st performance, ever... and with that, me and Junio-A! killed it, seeing that we got second place... so yeah, it was great!

 

 

9) How did ILL SCRIPTS deal with the controversy around its debut release?

 

Like we laughed a lot about it because it wasn't even serious. We just done that to see if they were stupid enough to reply and so well we couldn't careless... it doesn't really matter we don't hate the guys, they're on their level and they're doing it big yet I believe ballergang or ill scripts is the only crew in West Coast hip-hop that could really give them a run for their lyrics...lol

 

• FULL INTERVIEW COMING SOON...

More on the BALLERGANG:

• CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BALLERGANG'S LATEST SINGLE 'READY'
• 'LIKE' BALLERGANG ON FACEBOOK
• FOLLOW INSAiN (@LlewenInSaIN) ON TWITTER

 

5 Things Happening In West Coast Hip-Hop

Over the last few months, the West Coast Hip-Hop scene has seen some changes occur. Some were noticed yet some might still be ignored as many happen to be uninformed. If you one of those who don't know or maybe you haven’t been paying close attention, take a look below:
 
 
1. Internet Exposure

 
With artists like Goku from War3 Karak3tez, Big Twist, Tha Real U and Legacii on Soundcloud and Reverbnation, Internet exposure has surely increased. Three months ago, Tha Real U released 'Underground Kings' which quickly became one of the top downloaded songs in West Coast Hip-Hop, by reaching 100 downloads in a day.
Apart from this, Goku has released a series of music videos online which accompany those of Bizzy and Zayo, as well as the Major Playaz.
 
Other than this Tha Real U happened to release a music video as well. For the coast, this kind of exposure not only helps artists but it sheds light on the West Coast Hip-Hop community as well. Online releases help artists get recognised locally and Internationally quicker and more conveniently.
 
Last year mobile-site Swag City, was released in favour of this, so that locally people can download songs without having to hassle with computers, looking for links on Google or better yet not knowing where to find music.
 
 
2. Collaborations
 
Recently Big Twist collaborated with Goku. This created a banger along with Ivaan and Lazy B who previous also appeared on one of Goku's songs. Not only did this song ('We Made It') show how West Coast Hip-Hop steps things up, but so did Tha Real U's 'That I'm Dreaming' and 'Long Nights' which got newcomers Jempas and Lee Rick further involved in music.
 
General and Young Fl!p gained access to the Hip-Hop scene as well when they debuted on Big Twist's first mixtape, along with Prospect and Double D which gained added recognition. These collaborations show how West Coast Hip-Hop is transforming.
The scene is no longer monopolised by a single group of artists or band, but diverse, with different perspectives, styles and influences.
 

3. Started From The Bottom
 
Like everyone in the industry, you have to start somewhere even if it is the bottom. The past year has seen this happen. Not only did Twist come out of his shadow, but so did Tha Real U who happened to be a mash-up DJ.
 
Legacii, Illscripts, WBMG, also formed. These three groups soon started making music with a passion and are yet fighting for some exposure. With so many artists popping up out of no where, the West Coast community might soon see a revolution take place. While other artists remain unknown, the little light that has become the platform for West Coast Hip-Hop has helped artists grow and release more and more songs. With this comes better sound quality, lyrics and production quality.
 
Although most artists pushing songs these days are underground and newcomers, their support structures are constantly expanding. It's might just be a matter of time until their music is everywhere.
 

4. The Platform
 
Before 2013, West Coast Hip-Hop lacked a serious platform. Artists seem to be hidden in all places, some are popular yet the notorious, remain notorious. This reality however is starting to change. With Facebook pages and groups, websites like Swag City and communication structures between artists through these tools, West Coast Hip Hop now has a growing platform open for new artists and ready to support existing artists.
 
One problem though. Somehow there's always a disadvantage and this is it: some artists are promoting self with old, outdated procedures, rather then modernising and keeping up with the new platform. Not only do they aim at creating fan-bases or added support for themselves, they do this with no intention of building up the West Coast Hip-Hop community.
 
Networking tools like Facebook groups/pages, Websites etc... depend on the whole communities involvement to become an true success. Not only do artists gain exposure, while they lend exposure, they also help the whole West Coast Hip-Hop scene gain exposure and this will either help them cutback at trying to win fans cause they'll naturally gain support, or cause them to fade out if the scene becomes quickly populated.
 

5. Performances

Recently Big Twist and brand, started hitting a few popular venues. With performances springing up in local places, West Coast Hip-Hop is becoming much more engaging.
Although some regular performances do happen in the West Coast community, they seem to be aimed at one area, particularly a certain fan-base to please the supporters of a certain group. This is remarkable as fans will keep coming back for more, but it doesn't get the Hip-Hop scene to expand into unheard regions of the coast.
 
The group, ILLSCRIPTS took on this attempt however, by performing in a local High School Talent show, which scored them 2nd place. Not only does this performance help debut the group, but it also informs the general community about the emerging Hip-Hop scene within its community.
 
While some Hip-Hop artists (unknown to us) do also perform in popular places, it is yet a mystery on how their music actually engages with the public.
 
It is said that more events are being planned for West Coast Hip-Hop artists, especially the thought of possibly seeing some of these current power-forces work together. Will that happen? and is this even possible? For now we have no idea, only the Lord knows.

 

Real U Wears The Crown For The Underground

West Coast Hip-Hop raised the banner high this week as Saint Helena Bay rapper, Tha Real U reps his town and region well. The conscious rapper released his follow up to 'That I'm Dreaming' which reached a record breaking 100 downloads in 2 weeks, but that was nothing compared to this week’s happenings. The song 'Underground Kings' was produced by Shaloma Muzik following a similar production procedure of 'November 28 Girl' and a hard-core message echoing that of 'Long Nights' - the West Coast Conscious Hip-Hop banger which left many speechless after its release about 2 months ago.

Johannesburg rapper, TiTan Kai from the Eldorado Park Christian Hip-Hop group, UNIQUE, joined Real U on this groundbreaking new single. As another heat-seeker following Real U's two successful releases, 'Underground Kings' rapidly gained downloads and plays within just an hour of release. According to Shaloma Muzik's posts on Tha Real U's Facebook page, the song gathered 12 plays within 45 minutes and 10 downloads within 50, a number which normally takes some artists roundabout a day, sometimes a week or even a month to achieve.

The song then went on to beat its sister, 'Long Nights' by accumulating 60 downloads in just 19 hours, compared to the 56 — 'Long Nights' has after 2 months. Followed by an abundance of thanks from Tha Real U, the song initially reached 98 downloads at 18h00 (GMT+2) on Wednesday, December 19th; 24 hours from when it was subject to release. However, due to its actual release at 18h06 the previous day this result did not reflect the full 24 hours which at just a few minutes later saw the song officially reach the 100 downloads mark at 18h10.

In respect to the songs release, mobile music-site Swagcity (swagcity.wen.ru), introduced a new feature, entitled 'Featured Song' which places a selected track located on the site, on its home page for a week. Granted that 'Underground Kings' was a brand new addition, the song became the first to be featured in this promotion.

Reflecting some of Real U's work on his mixtape, the song is recorded on a Drake instrumental of the same title. Real U stated that he found the instrumental a few months back online and felt the urge to record on it instantly. He found the title appropriate to the message he (at that time) wanted to present. This occurred after he felt a little discouraged due to the fact that some suggested that they disliked Real U's rapping in comparison to other local rappers. A few others stated that his message is different causing him not be as good as the rest. Real U however did not record this song as a response to his haters, but rather an indirect message to other rappers and their fans, which vividly compare his work to theirs.

The center aim of the song is bringing consciousness to artists, particularly rappers in the West Coast region. Real U states that he is an Underground King, not because of status but because of his position. His message of faith through Conscious Rap is a way of repping his superhero, Jesus as stated. As Galatians 4:7 in the Bible states that they are heirs in the Kingdom of God and co-heirs in Christ, Real U suggests that they should be considered kings on Earth as the Bible identities them as princes in Heaven.

This Christian perspective is evident throughout the song and stretches till the end, where Real U concludes that those who exalt themselves, considering themselves to be better than the rest, will be humbled.

As initially intended Shaloma Muzik will soon release a lyrical video for the song on YouTube. Other than this, it has not yet been confirmed as to whether or not the song will be uploaded on KasiMp3, as it will follow the release procedure of its two predecessors, appearing on Zamob and other connected sites of the Wapload network.

There's A Twister's On It's Way!

Meet Big Twist, a serious rapper, with a serious aim. Born in Kimberly, the 17 year old underground Hip-Hopper does more then just throw lines over a microphone as lyrics, he produces his own music and in visions the goal of revolutionising West Coast music.

As a resident Hip-Hopper on the coast, Twist has so far been known to feature with the skills of his mates General and Young F!ip. These artists are yet but a few of the names endorsed by Twist's freshly-made label 'Twistyle Music'. Apart from the coastal action, he is one of Kimberly's G.L.A.P (Ghetto Life Akadamie Productionz) artists, a production line founded by Gapz, a multimedia producer who started doing his thing in this biz as early as the year 2000.

So far Twist's biggest debut as a solo artist would be his latest, the underground hit, 'Fast Lane.' The song received airplay on 92.3fm Radio West Coast along with his earlier release 'Apology Thru A Love Letter' (featuring Mi3zy).

What does Twist have up his sleave? A heavy duty debut mixtape. The tape named after the new label, will feature unique sounds of not only it's main artists but also various Twistyle artists, as made evident with the single 'Amagents' by General. In Twist's case this characteristic promotes both the artist and the brand equally promoting strenghtened support to the label. 

Subject to the mixtape's release, will be a launch party, live and exclusive at Lapland, Vredenburg on September 29th. The event is hosted by GTK Entertainment along with Twistyle and features performances by Lazy Catz, Torando and DJ G Twizt. So far, enterance is free and all is welcomed. This is surely not to be missed as the celebration begins early at 4pm.



To RSVP for this event visit http://www.facebook.com/events/423380924387544/

Twistyle Label page:
http://www.reverbnation.com/label/twistylemuzik